This is an update of the worldwide virtual conferences from Web 2.0 Labs.These are "peer professional development" opportunities that (I humbly submit) are unlike anything else available online: they are completely free, and they emphasize connecting, creating, and collaborating. We've been calling them "Conference 2.0," but I'm thinking instead of calling them SMOOChes--Synchronous and Massive Open Online Collaborations. Like MOOCs, only more intimate. :)
Because the events are virtual and we don't have the traditional time/space/travel constraints of a physical event, we've boldly gone past the traditional conference model of "vetting and selecting" presenters to inclusion and audience choice. We know that educators and learners often learn the most from their peers, and so give everyone who wants to the chance to present. We also know that presenting before a worldwide peer audience is often a life- and career-changing moment, and everyone deserves that chance. The once-surprising (but now expected) result is that the caliber of the presentations is extremely high.
Another positive result is the amazing breadth and depth of content presented. Last year we had almost 1,000 practitioner presentations on a vast array of engaging topics (and close to 100,000 attendee logins). These events truly are great fun, and are distinguished by inclusiveness, high-volunteer participation, and true community-building. Please join us for one or all of these events.
Important date updates are included below.
2013 GLOBAL STEMx EDUCATION CONFERENCESeptember 19 - 21, 2013
http://www.STEMxCon.com
The world’s first massively open online conference for educators focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and more (the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics acronym is no longer adequate, as it is missing well over 20 letters that represent key skills & disciplines). Therefore, x = Computer Science (CS), Computational Thinking (CT), Inquiry (I), Creativity & Innovation (CI), Global Fluency (GF), Collaboration ( C ), ...and other emerging disciplines & 21st century skills.
Important Dates: The call for proposals is currently open at the website and acceptances have started. Proposals can made between now and September 1st.
News and Information: As this is the first year of the conference, we're working hard to reach out to all organizations involved in STEMx endeavors, and encourage you to become a conference partner (it's free, and comes with some benefits!). We are also looking for global advisory board members who can help publicize the conference in their local areas. More information on the conference site. A big shout-out of thanks to sponsors Hewlett Packard, ISTE, and ePals--other organizations interested in supporting this event can email me directly.
October 18 - 19, 2013
http://www.library2013.com
Join us for our third annual Library 2.0 conference on libraries, librarians, and librarianship. The worldwide reception to this conference has been terrific, and within a few short years it has become extremely well-known. There are eight conference strands covering a wide variety of timely topics, such as, MOOCs, e-books, maker spaces, mobile services, embedded librarians, green libraries, and more!
Important Dates: The call for proposals is currently open at the website and acceptances have started. Proposals can made between now and September 30th.
News and Information: There are already over 50 accepted presentations for the conference, and the topics are amazing and well-worth a quick browse. Big shout-outs here for amazing conference founding sponsor The School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) at San José State University and for new sponsor ePals! Potential sponsors, partner organizations, and global outreach advisory board members are encouraged to go to the site and sign up.
2013 GLOBAL EDUCATION CONFERENCENovember 18 - 22, 2013
http://www.globaledcon.com
This is the great "mother ship" of our virtual conferences. Coming into our fourth annual event, we are so excited for another five days of all-out connecting and collaborating. If you've never been a part of this event, you MUST find some time to participate. Focused on helping teachers and students connect globally, we're proud of the amazing network that has been formed around this conference. We might just hit 500 presentations this year!
Important Dates: We haven't yet opened the conference call for proposals but will do so this month.
News and Information: iEARN will again be a major sponsor of the conference, and ePals rounds out their significant commitment to these events by also helping out. We appreciate them!
2014 OZeLIVE - ED TECH DOWN UNDER
January 17 - 18, 2014
http://www.ozelive.com (coming)
We're in our early planning stages for an Australia / New Zealand time-zone friendly educational technology virtual conference. There some definite excitement building. More information to come.
2014 RETHINKING HIGHER ED
February, 2014
http://www.rethinkinghighered.com (coming)
Also in the early planning stages, but very excited about this event!
2014 SCHOOL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
March 27, 2014
http://www.schoolleadershipsummit.com
After a terrific first summit this year, TICAL, the founding sponsor, has enthusiastically committed to doing this again! Look for more news in the fall.
OTHER CONFERENCES WE'RE WORKING ON
If any of the conferences below are of interest to you--as a sponsor, partner, or organizer--let me know.
- The first-ever worldwide homeschool and alternative education conference, trying to pull of in August (just a few weeks away). Look for an announcement this week!
- Gaming in Education. Not sure when and how we're going to get this scheduled, but the interest level is high. Finding a founding sponsor would help (call me!).
- Search Matters - Digital and Search Literacy
- Future of Museums
- Hacking Education
- Student Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Open Education Conference
FINAL THANKS
Special thanks to Blackboard Collaborate for the amazing virtual platform that keeps all of this humming.
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